The scarlet macaw is widespread across Central and South America, and is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, this vibrantly coloured species has all but disappeared from southern Mexico, mainly due to the destruction of its rainforest habitat and over-collection for the pet trade.

Scarlet macaws are potentially long-lived, reaching ages of 60 years or more

Fortunately for the macaw, forest restoration projects, awareness campaigns and protection of Palenque National Park have significantly reduced tropical rainforest destruction in the region, and the wildlife trade has also declined. Sufficient protection for the scarlet macaw and its habitat means that reintroduction is now a viable option to restore this species to its former range.

Macaw reintroductions

Before the scarlet macaw reintroduction project could go ahead, approval had to first be gained from the relevant authorities. The health and genetics of the captive-bred birds also had to be assessed to ensure that they were suitable for release.

The first macaw reintroduction took place in April, with a second small flock scheduled for release at the end of June. After this, small groups of 10 to 12 birds at a time will be released until a quota of 60 to 70 for this year is met. The reintroductions will then continue until 2015, and if successful will result in a doubling of the species’ current numbers in the region.

The main threats to the scarlet macaw are habitat destruction and the pet trade

Speaking about the reintroduction, Alejandro Estrada, one of the leading researchers from the Institute of Biology at UNAM, explained that they should “create a scarlet macaw corridor that will reconnect the remnant populations with the introduced macaws and will result in a region-wide restoration of the scarlet macaw in its northernmost distribution in the Neotropics.”

Preparing for release

Before the captive-bred scarlet macaws can successfully be released, they need to be trained in how to survive in the wild. This includes housing the birds in groups for several weeks to encourage them to form flocks, as well as training them to recognise wild foods and to avoid predators, including humans.

Once released, the birds will be provided with extra food to supplement their diets as they adjust to foraging for wild foods, which include fruits, nuts, seeds, flowers and leaves. According to Estrada, now that the first birds are living wild, they will be able to act as ‘tutors’ for new flocks, helping them to adapt more quickly.

The released macaws will be tracked over the coming years, to monitor how the reintroduction efforts are going. Artificial nest boxes will also be set up in the release area.

Scarlet macaws usually live in pairs or small family groups, which may join together into larger flocks

Encouraging support

The macaw reintroduction efforts have received encouraging support from the Mexican government, which has helped to publicise the species’ return to the wild. Various campaigns have helped to build a sense of local pride in this beautifully coloured bird, and the community around Palenque already appears to be captivated by its reappearance.

Those involved in the project are hopeful that this sense of pride in and concern for the scarlet macaw will also help to develop a greater interest in the conservation of the region’s tropical forests and the other species which inhabit them.